Nitrocyclohexane
# Nitrocyclohexane

Nitrocyclohexane is an organic compound with the molecular formula $C_6H_{11}NO_2.$ It is a colorless liquid, but degraded samples appear pale yellow.

## Preparation

It is prepared by reaction of nitrogen dioxide with cyclohexane. Cyclohexane is a convenient substrate because all twelve C-H bonds are equivalent, so mononitration does not give isomers (unlike the case of n-hexane).

## Hazards

Nitrocyclohexane is highly flammable and a strong oxidizing agent. It is listed as an extremely hazardous substance by the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, and the NOAA warns that it can be explosive.

